I am a new mandolin player and can play the song using basic tabs but I have difficulty finding the rhythm when playing with chords not sure why. Maybe I am not using the correct strumming pattern or something. Any assistance would be appreciated.
I can only play by ear, I would suggest you find the song on you tube and listen and play along. Use a video where you can somewhat see and hear the rhythm. Will the Circle Be Unbroken is one of my favorites and one of the first I learned. Good luck!